December 24, 1960

I want to be a poet, But I am a rock. I want to be a river, But I am a stone.

I want to be the wind, But I am a wall. I want to undulate, But I am not the sea.

I want to be a giant, But I am a speck. I want to be all, But I am none.

And when the sun is setting, I hear a voice that sounds like age Calling my name, And I, a shadow, Call back— I want to be a poet.

• Langston Hughes